Information on Autism

Notes, Nutrients, Herbs/Supplements, and Advice

About
Autism is a disorder of brain function that appears early in life, generally before the age of three months to 3 years. Children with autism have problems with social interaction, communication, imagination and behavior. Autistic traits persist into adulthood, but vary in severity. Some adults with autism function well, living independently. Others never develop the skills of daily living. The cause is unknown.

Notes

According to the Center for the Study of Autism, secretin, which is a hormone that can be found in the pancreas, liver, and upper intestinal tract has been successfully used for years. It has been used as a trial injection for the purpose of evaluating intestinal problems. In 200 autistic individuals, a noticeable improvement was noticed. Once given the injection, within a few days improvement had been noticed, mainly in speech/language, sleep, eye contact, and attentiveness. Even those that had been experiencing chronic diarrhea, improved to the point that their stool became formed. At the time of this writing, the Center indicated that the use of secretin was still in its experimental stages.

Another factor that may possibly act detrimentally in autistic children is elevated serum and tissue copper levels, as well as being subjected to lead or mercury.

It seems that autistic individuals may be more sensitive to dairy products and a variety of other foods, especially in the spring or summer. These can include strawberries and citrus fruits. A multitude of ailments such as headaches, nausea, bed-wetting, appearing "spaced out," as well as many other ailments, can show up because of these food products. The reaction may not be instantaneous but may occur as far as 36 hours later. Removing vitamin C, as well as taking out the food substances, may cut down on the sensitivities and allergies.

Living arrangements for autistic people can vary depending on the severity of their case. Some autistic people may be able to live alone and be self-sufficient, while those that have more severe cases may have to live in homes that specialize in treating individuals with autism. It is heartening that those autistic individuals that are self-sufficient can graduate from higher education schools, work, and even get married.

One might think that infants and toddlers get enough supplements from processed baby foods; however, this may not be the case. Since nutritional shortages can increase many psychological disorders, it is vital that a parent ensure they are knowledgeable in the daily requirements of supplementation and make sure they fulfill those requirements.

Puberty can escalate the effects of autism. Behavioral problems can increase, and more than 20 percent that have this condition can begin to suffer from seizures.

The Center for the Study of Autism alluded to a study that had been conducted in Utah. The study had 11 families; each family had an autistic family. In 50 percent of the offspring, the father's genes appeared to be a definite contributor the autism in the offspring. There are other contributors to autism which can include allergies and food sensitivities, as well as the possibility that the presence of abnormal protein levels in the urine. The body's inability to break down proteins from the diet into amino acids may be responsible. Multiple parents now opt to remove proteins that are found in gluten (wheat, barley, oats, and other foods, from the autistic diet.

Vitamin B6 and magnesium added to the diet, as well as other nutrients essential to biochemical reactions in the body, may be useful for autistic children. This could be possible due to autistic children possibly suffering from leaky gut syndrome. This makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the children to absorb the nutrients effectively.

When it comes to the medical world, there is not a cure for the anomalies in the brain that are responsible for autism. However, researchers are becoming more adept at reading and understanding the variances and assisting people in dealing with autism. As children get older, the effects of autism may lessen or even diminish entirely. The person with the trained eye can recognize the signs of autism and intervene with treatment so as to change behavior to an almost negligible level so as to appear "normal" to the untrained eye. This may not always happen with all autistic individuals, however. There are adults that still exhibit the effects of autism.

Helpful nutrients for this condition.CalciumImportance: HighComments: Helps brain and nervous system function properly.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)Importance: HighComments: Lack of this vitamin may be tied to autism.

Vitamin CImportance: HighComments: Free radical scavenger.

Helpful herbs and supplements for this condition.Ginkgo bilobaType: InternalPurposes: It has been documented extensively that Ginkgo boosts brain function. Antioxidant activity of Ginkgo biloba has been found to have powerful properties against free radical damage. Ginkgo helps to protect cell membranes against free radical damage and prevent conditions that can occur in the brain and nervous system. Ginkgo Biloba has been beneficial to improving electrical transmissions to nerves and supply more oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells.

Advice

Eat more small meal more frequently a day.

Exercise Regularly

Include plenty of fiber in the diet. This fiber should include 50 to 75 percent raw foods, like fruits, vegetables, lentils, potatoes, and brown rice. Also include protein with foods like legumes, beans, raw nuts, fish, seeds, tofu, low-fat yogurt, and skinless white turkey or chicken breast.

Only drink distilled water.

Practice deep breathing to help your blood's oxygenation and circulation. Hold your breath for 30 seconds every 1/2 hour. Inhale place your tongue on the roof of your mouth where your teeth meet your gums and release the air slowly and repeat everyday.